Hajja Salesjana. MARZU-APRIL il-214 Óar a. Haiti - The Salesians Hit by the Earthquake A Saintly Salesian Brother G aqda mar-rieda ta Alla

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1 Hajja Salesjana MARZU-APRIL 2010 il-214 Óar a Haiti - The Salesians Hit by the Earthquake A Saintly Salesian Brother G aqda mar-rieda ta Alla

2 The Logo of the Salesians of Don Bosco is made up of two superimposed images: in the background a stylised S (Salesians) in white marked to the right and left by two cuttings between the hills (a road). The second image is in the centre of the globe: an arrow pointing upwards resting on three perpendicular legs on top of which are three closed circles making a stylised image of three people: the first of these in the midde and taller (the Salesian) appears as if embracing the side figures (the young). The three stylised figures can also be viewed as an arrow pointing upwards (education / formation) or simply as a dwelling (Salesian house) with three pillars holding it up (reason, religion, loving kindness). The coat of arms of the Salesian Congregation shows the shining star, the large anchor, the heart on fire symbolizing faith, hope and charity; the figure of St. Francis de Sales recalling the Patron of the Society; the small wood in the lower part reminds us of the Founder (Bosco) the high mountains signify the heights of perfection towards which members strive; the interwoven palm and laurel that enfold the shield either side are emblematic of the prize reserved for a sacrificial and virtuous life. The motto Da mihi animas, caetera tolle (give me souls, take the rest) expresses every Salesian s ideal. Óajja Salesjana St. Patrick s School, Triq San Ìwann Bosco, Sliema SLM 1925 MALTA Tel. (+356) / (+00356) hajjasal@salesiansmalta.org Il-Bulettin Salesjan, imsejja b diversi ismijiet, ji i stampat f 56 edizzjoni u f 29 ilsien madwar iddinja u huwa mxerred fi 131 nazzjon Responsible: Fr. Paul Formosa SDB Director/ Editor: Fr. Joseph Cini SDB Editorial Board : Margaret Buhagiar, Andre Camilleri, Matthew Borg, Josie Grech. Office: Eileen Alden, Joyce Scicluna. Design & Printing: Salesian Press, Sliema. Tista taqra ajja Salesjana fuq il-kompjuter: Fuqiex se naqraw Randan 10 Haiti - The Salesians Hit 12 Blessed Michael Rua (2) 14 Malta Salesjana 21 Diçembru Fl-Iskola ta St. Patrick Sliema 22 A Saintly Salesian Brother 24 Ir-Ra el ust ta Marija San ÌuΩepp fil-kitba Apocrifa 26 The Empty Egg 28 Diaconate Ordination of Br Martin Tanti SDB 29 Dun Bosco fis-santi u Kartolini 31 G aqda mar-rieda ta Alla 32 Editorjal / Pedago ija / Caledar of events / Something to think about / Marian Apparitions Front Cover: Billi din is-sena ja bat ic-çentenarju tas-salesian Brigade, u billi l istrenna tar-rettur Ma ur tg idilna nwasslu l-van elu liω-ωg aωag, ir-ritratt tal-qoxra juri mumenti fil- ajja tas-salesian Brigade.

3 editorjal Ûmien ir-randan G eωieω qarrejja Ninsabu fi Ωmien ir-randan u afna jistaqsu x tip ta penitenza wie ed jista jag mel. Qabel kienet issir afna insistenza fuq sawm mill-ikel u o rajn jinsistu fuq li l-kafé jew it-te jkun bla alib. Ma rridx nag ti l-impressjoni li dawn m g adhomx jg oddu. Ikun a jar iωda jekk in arsu lejn ilpenitenza b mod poωittiv. X jista wie ed jag mel u mhux x ma jistax jag mel biex jissaffa minnuqqasijiet tieg u. Óa a li tolqotni afna u eg ilni nirrifletti mhux ftit hija l- ajja ta afna enituri llum. Ja dmu t-tnejn u meta jer g u lura mixxog ol, g ajjenin kif inhuma ijridu jie du sieb it-tfal, jag mlu l- asla, ix-xirja, it-tisjir, jg inu l uliedhom jag mlu l- homework, jo orgu jixtru l-o etti li t- teacher tkun talbet lit-tfal biex i ibu mag hom l-g ada, il-preokkupazzjoni g aliex ma jistg ux ila qu mal- ajja, il-flus ma jservux etc., etc. Xi w ud minn dawn impenjati wkoll fil-volontarjat fejn jag tu minn inhom g all-o rajn fin- nurseries, fil-klabbs tal-banda, fl-armar tal-festi, etc. U ng id lili innifsi: kieku dawn jag mluh kollu mhux biss b ala dover imma wkoll b ala att ta m abba lejn Ìesu li jixtieqna lkoll inkunu sensittivi g all- ti ijiet ta l-o rajn, kemm jiswilna aktar ta id. Óajjitna tkun aktar bis-sens. Dan huwa eωerçizzju li billi mhux façli jista jservi ta penitenza g ar-randan. Fil-qari tieg i lltqajt ma eωempju klassiku ta dan. Fr Pedro Aruppe qabel kien Superjur Ìenerali tal-ìiωwiti, kien qieg ed iservi b ala Mastru tan-novizzi fil-ìappun meta fis-6 ta Awwissu 1945 niωlet il-bomba atomika fuq Hiroshima. X in ra l-belt sewda bil- mied tal- ruq, eluf mejtin, o rajn feruti u ma ruqa ji errew fittoroq jittalbu l-ilma, imqanqal minn dak li ra, era lejn il-kappella, inxte et g arkobbtejh u talab jg ajjat: «Int Mulej taf kollox u tistedinna nag mlu xi a a.» Óare minn hemm u flimkien man-novizzi biddel id-dar fi sptar ta emer enza. Xena tassew kommoventi. M hemmx osservanza a jar tar-randan minn meta dak li jkun, meta jara l- tie a ta dawk ta madwaru, mhux biss i oss g alihom iωda jmidd idejh biex itaffi s-sofferenzi tag hom. Nawguralkom G id Qaddis. Fr Victor Mangion SDB Rettur Komunità Salesjana ta l-isla... kieku dawn jag mluh kollu mhux biss b ala dover imma wkoll b ala att ta m abba lejn Ìesù li jixtieqna lkoll inkunu sensittivi g all- ti ijiet ta l-o rajn, kemm jiswilna aktar ta id. Hajja Salesjana 3

4 EDITORIAL Time of Lent Dear Readers, We are in the time of Lent and many of us ask what kind of penance we can practice. In the old days there was much insistence on fasting and we were even forbidden milk in our coffee or tea. I don t wish to say that these practices are not good any more; but it would be much better if we looked at penance in a positive manner. Let us think of what we can do, and not of what is forbidden, so that we may be purified of our misdeeds. There is something that strikes me and makes me stop and think: that is the life of many parents nowadays. They both have a job and when they come back home, tired as they are, they need to look after their children, the shopping, the cooking, their children s homework; they need to purchase things the teacher has asked for from their children, adding this to their worry about the cost of living, and the stretching of their pay-cheque. Now, some of these parents are also involved in voluntary work where they give their time to football nurseries, band clubs, feast decorations, etc. So I ask myself, If these people were to perform all these activities not just as a duty but also as an act of love of Jesus, who desires that we be sensitive to the needs of others, wouldn t it be of more spiritual advantage to them? Wouldn t their life make more sense? This certainly would be a worthy exercise of penance for Lent. Some time ago I read a story that would be a classical example of what I am saying. Fr. Pedro Arrupe SJ, who later became Superior General of the Jesuit Fathers, was Master of Novices in Japan when on 6 th August 1945 the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. When he saw the blackened town, the thousands of dead, the maimed and burned roaming the streets begging for water, moved by what he saw he ran to the chapel, fell to his knees and prayed aloud, You, Lord, know the meaning of this, and you ask us to do something about it Out of the chapel and with the help of his novices, he transformed the house into an emergency hospital - a really moving scene. There is no better observance of Lent than when someone, seeing the need of those around him, not only feels moved by their plight but also goes into action to alleviate their suffering. I wish you all a Holy Easter. If these people were to perform all these activities not just as a duty but also as an act of love of Jesus, who desires that we be sensitive to the needs of others, wouldn t it be of more spiritual advantage to them? Wouldn t their life make more sense? 4 Hajja Salesjana

5 Kummenti fuq li Strenna 2010: Il-Van elu liω-ûg aωag Minn Pascual Chavez Trad. Joe Cini PEDAGOÌIJA Salesjana Fil-Familja, l-edukazzjoni ta Ìesù Il-familja hija l-iskola kbira mwaqqfa minn Alla g all-edukazzjoni tal- ens uman (Gotthold E. Lessing) Wie ed mill-elementi li jg inna nifhmu lilna nfusna b ala bnedmin u li lilu iet mog tija importanza kbira fis-seklu g oxrin, hija n-natura storika tal- ajja umana. A na mhux biss ng ixu fl-istorja, imma qeg din ukoll ninbnew permezz tag ha, jum wara l-ie or, fi proçess li jintemm biss bil-mewt. Dan jidher daqshekk ovvju, li xi kultant ninsewh; bil-konsegwenza li nifhmu l- ajja b ala proçess dejjem miexi: qatt ma nistg u ng idu li a na kompluti, lanqas ma nistg u nieqfu b al xi ebla. G alhekk, jekk inqisu serjament il-fatt li l-iben ta Alla ried jaqsam il- ajja tag na, dan ifisser li a na nemmnu li Huwa wkoll g ex Ωmien ta eωistenza storika matul ajtu. Dan hu li, baωikament, jfissru l-kliem ta l-iskrittura It-tifel baqa jikber u jissa a, mimli bil-g erf. U l-grazzja ta Alla kienet fuqu (Lq 2, 40). Il- ajja tieg u fuq l-art ma kinetx apparenza biss! Insibuha diffiçli nemmnu li Alla abbna daqshekk li ried ikun wie ed minna. (Wa da mir-ra unijet Hajja Salesjana 5

6 VI jg id sewwa li: l-ekwilibriju uman ta Ìesù huwa sinjal tal-preωenza tal- enituri tieg u. Bin il-bniedem ma iex biex ikun moqdi, imma biex jaqdi u biex jag ti ajtu b fidwa g all-kotra (Mt 20,28) g aliex il-knisja sa mill-bidunett irrifjutat ilvan eli apokrifi kienet li dawn, baωikament ma jag rfux il-verità ta l-inkarnazzjoni). G aldaqstant dan jippermettilna nit addtu fuq l-edukazzjoni ta l-iben ta Alla li tixbah lil dik ta kwalunkwe bniedem ie or, li jin tie lu din il-kura sabiex jista jikber. Lil Ìesù din il-kura iet ipprovduta, qabel xejn, minn Marija u ÌuΩeppi r-ra el tag ha. Pawlu San ÌuΩepp, kif nafu, mhux il- missier ta Ìesù, fis-sens fiωiku; imma l-kollaborazzjoni tieg u malpjan ta Alla u fl-iωvilupp uman ta Ìesù hija aktar rilevanti mill-fatt li jkun il-missier biolo iku fiddar ta NaΩaret. Jekk nibbaωaw rwie na fuq l-istess kriterju teolo iku li jippermettilna nitkellmu fuq il-ver ni Marija b ala Omm Alla, nistg u wkoll insej u lilha u lil San ÌuΩepp edukaturi ta Alla. Dan it-titlu g andu jkun g aωiω g alina l-membri tal-familja Salesjana. A na wkoll, infatti, msej in sabiex fil- idma edukattiva u pastorali tag na, inqarrbu lit-tfal sabiex jixbhu lil Kristu, sabiex ikun Hu l-ewwel fost afna a wa (Rom 8, 29). Xi drabi nisimg u min jg id, rigward it-tfal, G andha g ajnejn ommha jew g andu wiçç missieru u b hekk jitqajjem fil- enituri çertu sens ta kburija. G andna l- ila ng idu dan g al Ìesù? Jien na seb li iva. ÌuΩeppi, f mument deçiωiv u f sitwazzjoni li ma tantx seta jifhem, billi kien ra el ust g aωel li jimxi mhux fuq il-li i imma fuq l-im abba u aseb biex jissepara bil-kwiet minn Marija li hu kien i obb, minflok ma jikka unalha nkwiet (Mt 1, 19). Dan, Ìesù tg allmu perfettament, u qalilna, Jekk il- ajja tajba tag kom ma tkunx afna a jar minn dik tal-kittieba u l-fariωej, ma tid lux fis- Saltna tas-smewwiet (Mt 5, 20). F Marija niskopru l-mudel ta dedikazzjoni u servizz eneruω, b al meta marret g and ku initha EliΩabetta sabiex tg inha waqt it-tqala tag ha ming ajr ma tat kas ta l-istat tag ha; jew inkella meta, f Kana, kienet attenta g all- 6 Hajja Salesjana

7 ÌuΩeppi qam, g amel kif ordnalu l-an lu tal-mulej, u a lil martu g andu (Mt 1, 38). Binhom tg allem din il-lezzjoni perfettament tant li saret l-attitudni çentrali ta ajtu: obda sal-mewt, anzi sal-mewt tas-salib (Fil 2, 8b). bωonnijiet ta l-o rajn, avolja dan ma kienx responsabbiltà tag ha. Hija kienet omm dak li snin wara ing ad fuqu li, Bin il-bniedem ma iex biex ikun moqdi, imma biex jaqdi u biex jag ti ajtu b fidwa g all-kotra (Mt 20,28). Imma, barra minn dan, f Marija u ÌuΩeppi, meta f modi differenti ji u mistiedna sabiex jikkolaboraw mal- Pjan tas-salvazzjoni, naraw illi t-tnejn li huma, bilkelma imma aktar bl-attitudni tag hom, iwie bu lil Alla ming ajr tlaqliq: il-fidi tag hom tintwera f ubbidjenza totali. Ara, jiena l-qaddejja tal-mulej: a jsir minni skond kelmtek (Lq 1, 38). Meta Wie ed mill-elementi li jg inna nifhmu lilna nfusna b ala bnedmin u li lilu iet mog tija importanza kbira fis-seklu g oxrin, hija n-natura storika tal- ajja umana. A na mhux biss ng ixu fl-istorja, imma qeg din ukoll ninbnew permezz tag ha, jum wara l-ie or, fi proçess li jintemm biss bil-mewt. Dan jidher daqshekk ovvju, li xi kultant ninsewh; bil-konsegwenza li nifhmu l- ajja b ala proçess dejjem miexi: qatt ma nistg u ng idu li a na kompluti, lanqas ma nistg u nieqfu b al xi ebla. Hajja Salesjana 7

8 2010 CALENDAR OF SALESIAN FEASTS & EVENTS march april Every Friday: Stations of the Cross at St. Patrick s at 6.30 p.m. 1 3 Live-in for Hbieb Domenico Savio Form 3 at Savio College Wed 3 Sliema Salesian Cooperators Meeting at St. Patrick s. Sat 6 Course in Salesian Spirituality Live-in for Hbieb Domenico Savio Form 2 at Savio College 8 12 Lenten Sermons at St. Patrick s at 7.00pm Sat 13 Pre-Chapter Meeting for Salesian Family Sat 13 Cousre in Salesian Spirituality 6 Sun 14 Past Pupils of St. Patrick s Committee Meeting at 9.30 a.m Live-in for Hbieb Domenico Savio Form 1 at Savio College Mon 15 BL. Artemide Zatti SDB Thu 18 Dingli Cooperators Meeting at Savio College Book Fair at St. Patrick s Sliema. Fri 19 Feast of St. Joseph. Yearly Bikeathlon at Savio College Sun 21 Lectio Divina at Savio College Live-in for Hbieb Domenico Savio Form 4 at Savio College Wed 24 Monthly Commemoration of Mary Help at St. Patrick s: 6.30 p.m. Fri 26 Our Lady of Sorrows. End of School Term Sun 28 Open Day at Savio College. Day Retreat for Past Pupils 1 3 Maundy Thursday / Good Friday / Holy Saturday Sun 4 Easter Sunday. Salesian Pilgrimage to Turin Wed 7 Sliema Salesian Cooperators Meeting at St. Patrick s Sun 11 Past Pupils of St. Patrick s Committee Meeting at 9.30 a.m. Mon 12 Start of 3 rd School Term Sat 17 Course in Salesian Spirituality 7. Meeting for Hbieb Dom Savio at Savio College Mon 26 Monthly Commemoration of Mary Help at St. Patrick s: 6.30 p.m Fri 30 Savio College prize Day Wed 5 Sliema Salesian Cooperators Meeting at St. Patrick s Thu 6 St. Dominic Savio. Celebrations in all Salesian Houses. Sat 8 Hbieb Dom Savio & Laura Vicuna at Savio College. Dingli Cooperators Meeting Sun 9 Past Pupils of St. Patrick s Committee Meeting at 9.30 a.m. Read ajja Salesjana on the website: Pictures of Don Bosco set to reflective music: may 8 Hajja Salesjana

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10 Randan Ûmien biex nersqu qrib Kristu mill-arçisqof Vincent Nichols L-istedina tar-randan hija li nersqu qrib Kristu u n eddu l- ajja tag na ta fidi. Ûmien ta Fidi Il-Fidi hija rigal kbir minn g and Alla. Permezz tal-fidi a na nistg u nisimg u l-kelma ta Alla u npo uha fiç-çentru tal- ajja tag na. Permezz tal-fidi nifhmu l-veru sens ta ajjitna u tad-dinja madwarna. Permezz tal-fidi a na kapaçi mmexxu u nfasslu ajjitna skond ir-rieda ta Alla kif, fil- niena tieg u, Hu jurina. Permezz tal-fidi npo u lil Alla fin-nofs ta dak kollu li nag mlu. L-ewwel frott tal-fidi huwa t-talb. Talba fiduçjuωa ta kuljum hija l-ewwel sinjal tal- ajja ta min jemmen. Tassew, Ìesù jg allimna mhux biss l-importanza tat-talb, imma anki kif g andna nitolbu. G alhekk jag mel sens li l-priorità tag na matul ir-randan tkun li n eddu l- ajja tag na ta talb. U mat-talb ji u wkoll iω-ωew dimensjonijiet l-o ra tar-randan: is-sawm u l-karità. Kull wa da minn dawn hija espressjoni prattika tal-fidi u tattalb tag na. Matul ir-randan huwa importanti li kull wie ed/wa da minna jipprattika ç-ça da: din x se tkun, g aωel inti. Imma, li f xi in jiena niçça ad minn xi a a li g andi kull dritt nixxennaq g aliha, dan ifakkarni kemm verament jiena niddependi minn Alla. Importanti wkoll li nitg allmu nag tu eneroωament: forsi flusna, forsi ina, forsi ilitna. U dan nag mluh b mod partikulari lejn min hu fil-bωonn. G aliex irridu niftakru kemm a na rçevejna minn g and Alla. Alla jipprovdilna mhux bil-ftit; ejjew nipprovdu bil- afna lil min hu fil-bωonn. Kliem il-papa Irrid nistedinkom tag rfu l-ispirtu s-santu aktar fil-fond u b mod personali. Fil-Kredu a na ng idu Nemmen fl-ispirtu s-santu, il-mulej li jag ti l- ajja, li ej mill-missier u mill-iben. Iva. l-ispirtu s-santu, l-ispirtu ta m abba bejn il-missier u l- Iben, huwa l-g ajn tal-qdusija, g aliex l-im abba ta Alla ssawbet fi qlubna permezz ta l-ispirtu s- Santu li kien mog ti lilna (Rum 5,5). Imma mhux biωωejjed tag raf l-ispirtu: irridu nilqg uh b ala dawl ta ru na, b ala l-g alliem tal- ajja tarru, li jmexxina lejn il-fidi u jg allimna ng ixuha kuljum bis-s i. L-Ispirtu jsuqna lejn l-o rajn, waqt li jkebbes fina n-nar ta l-im abba u jag milna missjunarji ta l-im abba ta Alla. B dawn il-kliem, il-papa jistedinna nid lu aktar fil-fond tal-misteru tal-fidi. Jistedinna 10 Hajja Salesjana

11 nifhmu b mod aktar g oli kif il- idma tal-missier, l-iben u l-ispirtu s-santu ssib postha f ajjitna. Il-Papa Benedittu jitkellem fuq l-ispirtu s-santu b ala l-g alliem tal- ajja tar-ru. Dan hu kliem importanti. Il- ajja tar-ru ta kull wie ed/wa da minna huwa dak kollu li jse lilhinn minn dak li naraw. Huwa l-parti l-aktar importanti ta ajjitna. Huwa dak kollu li jokkupa lil qalbna u lil mo na; dak kollu li jg ollina anke jekk g al ftit; dak kollu li jdawwalna lilhinn mill- wejje jew rajjiet immedjati u ovvji. Il- ajja tar-ru hija l-mumenti ta niket, ta frustrazzjoni, ta mog drija u ta m abba. Il-Papa qieg ed jg idilna li l- ajja tar-ru tag na tista titpo a ta t l-influss ta l-ispirtu s-santu sabiex issir a a ta sbu ija u verità, u fuq kollox, ta m abba. Meta ji ri dan, ikompli jg idilna, insiru missjunarji ta l-im abba ta Alla. tinqeridx. G al kuntrarju hemm bωonn li tkun ippreservata u kkurata. Il- ajja tar-ru ukoll g andha l-ekolo ija tag ha. Din hija l-ekolo ija umana: il-mod kif infasslu r-relazzjoni tag na ma l-o rajn; il-mod kif nifhmu u n arsu lejn il- ewwieni tag na; il-mod kif intejbu l-veru progress uman fil-familja u fissoçjetà. Din l-ekolo ija umana hija l-post fejn, fuq kull imkien ie or, irridu nipprote u dak kollu li hu tassew tajjeb. G ax tassew, waqt li qeg din nag tu din l-attenzjoni kollha lill-ekologija esterjuri taddinja tag na, qeg din nitilfu l-kuntatt mas-sewwa ta l-ekolo ija umana u d-dimensjoni spiritwali tag ha. Huwa mela hawn li d-don tal-fidi u d-don ta l-ispirtu s-santu huma daqshekk importanti. L-Ispirtu s-santu jg allimna fuq il- ajja interjuri tag na, fuq is-sewwa ta l-ekolo ija umana u fuq kif ng ixu b mod li nipprote u u nmantnu kull ma hu umanament tajjeb. Dan jista jsir l-a jar meta teωisti relazzjoni miftu a ma Alla, mωejna b umiltà, ma fra u m abba, u dejjem immexxija mit-tag lim tal-knisja. Il-Mulej iberikna fl-isforzi tag na. Il-Mulej iqawwi r-relazzjoni tag na mieg u fit-talb u jg inna nag mlu frott ta ça da u eneroωità lejn l-o rajn. EkoloÛija Umana B kuntrast ma dan, il- ajja normali hija mifhuma sewwa g ax kollox ji ri quddiem g ajnejna; naraw x ji ri fina u madwarna. Dan hu li l-aktar ji bed l- attenzjoni tal-bniedem illum. U sewwa li ninkeddu g al dak li qed ji ri madwarna u naraw kif nistg u in arsuh. Il-kelma ekologija qieg da tinstema dejjem aktar g aliex irridu naraw li n-natura ma Hajja Salesjana 11

12 Haiti The Salesians Hit by the Earthquake When you read this article, things will have changed in Haiti. But at the time we go to print, a week or so after the disaster, this was the situation. We have been hit very hard, said Fr Ducange Sylvain SDB, appointed the new Superior of the Blessed Philip Rinaldi Vice Province of Haiti last December, referring to the situation of the Salesians. In a short and dramatic communication Fr Sylvain gave a picture of the situation a few hours after the earthquake measuring 7.0 on the scale, which struck the Carribean island of Haiti on Tuesday 12th January in the afternoon local time. The house of Port-Au-Prince Enam and the foundations near the Saint John Bosco Institute, such as the Work of the Little Schools of Father Bonhem, entrusted to the Salesians, and the Lakay, suffered the greatest damage in the city. The Salesians from the centre were injured. Here the Salesians have a primary school, a technical school and also a reception centre for youngsters in difficulty and an oratory. The Salesian Brother Sanon (aged 85) died under the ruins and sadly over 500 pupils and some teachers were buried there. The Provincial House and that of Fleuriot, both in Port-Au-Prince, have been severely damaged; two young Salesians in formation (aged 26 and 28) who were at the university were killed when the house collapsed. At the house of Carrefour-Thorland, a part of the building and the reception centre collapsed but the Salesians are safe. At Gressier class-rooms collapsed. At Petion-Ville the buildings suffered serious damage. Fr Harold Bernard, aged 83, has been rescued from the ruins alive. Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot, the archbishop of Port-Au- Prince, died under the rubble. The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have suffered damage to their works in Portau-Prince and at Saint Mary D. Mazzarello in Pétion-Ville. At present there is also a Daughter 12 Hajja Salesjana

13 of Mary Help of Christians in hospital. It is a very difficult situation, Fr Ducange Sylvain concluded. The emergency rescue services and the Salesians themselves concentrated on trying to pull survivors from the rubble, in particular the more than 500 pupils and teachers at Port-Au-Prince Enam. In the meantime the Salesian world geared itself up to respond as quickly as possible to help the people of Haiti. The Missions Department of the Congregation, in collaboration with the Salesian Mission Office in New Rochelle, (United States) and the Don Bosco Network (DBN) was busy creating a net-work to collect funds from the Provinces and from benefactors around the world. The Provinces in Spain, Venezuela and Italy immediately and actively engaged and collaborated in this service. The Salesian Missions joined with Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services and Feed the Children to deal with the more urgent food and health emergencies; and, at a later stage coordinated the offers of human voluntary resources coming in from various places. So also, attempts were quickly made to establish a network of communications between the Salesian Mission Offices and the NGO which were in the country so as to coordinate all these relief efforts. Fr. Eric Cachia ie mistieden il-palazz tal-president f San Anton fejn hemm hekk ie ipprezentat bissomma sabi a ta EUR 15,000 b rizq il-missjoni tag na s-salesjani f Haiti. Il-President wera nteress s i u enwin mhux biss dwar il-qag da f Haiti iωda wkoll fuq il- idma tag na s-salesjani f Malta. Il-President baqa impressjonat u g adu jsemmi x-xog ol siewi li qed nag mlu Dar Osanna Pia. F din iω-ωjara adu sehem numru ta studenti minn Savio College u l-president kien ferm kuntent bil-kortesija u l-maturità li wrew. Il-President g arrafna wkoll li l-festa taç-çitru li saret nhar il-óadd 1 ta Frar fil-palazz ta San Anton, il-qlieg kollu tag ha ser imur b rizq il-missjoni tag na f Haiti. Grazzi Eççellenza. Hajja Salesjana 13

14 Blessed Michael Rua (2) While still a boy, Michael Rua met Saint John Bosco and was soon won over by him. He lived in the shadow of the Saint, was his most trusted helper, and became his successor as head of his worldwide religious Order, the Salesian Society. Declared Blessed by the Church he so nobly served, Father Michael Rua, who shared Don Bosco s apostolic labours, now shares with him the honours of the altar. Timothy is faithful For the best part of 45 years, Don Rua was glued to an office desk. A lot of that time he was to spend deciphering the handwriting of Don Bosco s voluminous letters and manuscripts. None of you can make head or tail of my writing, Don Bosco would joke, except Michelino. Only one who has actually seen the saint s feverish hieroglyphics, which would defy the professional code-breaker, can fully appreciate a Salesian wisecrack, On that score alone Don Rua deserves to be beatified! One week it would be such a mountain of mail that Don Rua was forced to call in three secretaries to help; next time he would burn the midnight oil getting Don Bosco s History of Italy or current Catholic Readings off to the printer. This faithful interpretation of Don Bosco s hand was symbolic: only Rua could read the man, the complex saint with an incredible number of irons in the fire. Only Rua could understand the vast world-vision that drove Don Bosco s Bishop, Archbishop Gastaldi, to distraction. Only Rua realized the revolutionary concept of a totally new religious life, stripped of every monastic vestige and modern enough to adapt to every time and place. So much so, that Rua secretly asked his fellow Salesians to keep written records of this golden age in Don Bosco s life. For this reason it was Rua who always accompanied Don Bosco on his trips to Rome, France, Spain. Of his first trip to Rome, Don Bosco wrote back to the Oratory: Michael Rua is in the seventh heaven. Besides the revised constitutions, his bag contains 25 gold florins which Pope Pius IX sent expressly to provide a treat for our boys. After crowds had mobbed Don Bosco in Marseilles, he turned to Don Rua in the departing 14 Hajja Salesjana

15 train. Do you recall, Michael, that poor old house on the hill on the Murialdo road? That was my home, and there I pastured our two cows. If these people only knew they were making so much fuss about a poor peasant from Becchi! A splendid photograph of the Barcelona trip shows Don Rua leaning over Don Bosco in an armchair, his eyes fixed on the saint as if anticipating his every word or need. If it was not an easy job to be dotting Don Bosco s i s and t s, it was still less to be his financial administrator. Finance was never Don Bosco s strong point. Not that he lacked the charm to empty pockets in every part of Europe; he too often risked gigantic undertakings without considering his already heavy debts. And it was precisely here that Don Rua shone. So perfect was his office administration, you would have thought he was a bank manager all his life, a Turin financier observed. Not one Salesian house escaped his minute scrutiny of accounts, all hoping to hear his customary thank God if they successfully passed the ordeal. Again like a good vicar, Don Rua was prepared to act as a buffer to let Don Bosco s fatherly image be preserved. Any odium he would take on his own shoulders. Thus on the back of an old envelope are still preserved some of the admonitions written by Don Bosco but carried out by Don Rua: See that no punishments are given without authority. Some houses are still wasting soap, gas and fuel. Check on attendance at meditation and spiritual reading, and a priceless one: See that young aspirants are not put in charge of the wine cellar. In every storm Don Rua would gladly stand in as lightning rod. In Hajja Salesjana the long misunderstanding between the pioneer Salesians and the gifted Archbishop Gastaldi, for example, it was Rua who bore the brunt of the painful correspondence and humiliating meetings to the point where he was found in tears at times. A Timothy to Paul, a Francis Xavier to Ignatius, so would Don Rua be to Don Bosco his alter ego or other self, prepared to eclipse for the moment his own ideas and feelings. At all costs he would be the loyal disciple and faithful interpreter. We have testimony of this from his secretary, Father Vespignani: For me Don Rua s office was an inspiring classroom. We started each day with a devout Angelus and a brief thought from St. Francis de Sales writings. Most of the correspondence dealt with spiritual matters or charitable requests, and I marvelled at his good humour, seasoned with simple faith. I absorbed his zeal and his enthusiasm for the foreign missions; an anecdote of Don Bosco s pioneer days broke the routine every so often. Every visitor whether priest, layman or boy left his office encouraged or consoled. In that room, God s glory or the good of souls seemed always paramount. More scope was given Don Rua s zeal when he was appointed part-time rector of the Vanchiglia 15

16 Sunday Oratory. Local residents soon got used to the noisy crowds of boys who would walk the three miles with him. When one youngster grumbled at having to recite the Rosary during the walk home, Don Rua encouraged him, Just one more decade, Domenico, and you can have my dessert at supper tonight, as Father Dominic Teia recalled of his own life. He added, He was constantly at recreation, taking part in all our games and songs. Don Rua was now given a two-year respite from his office work when Don Bosco appointed him full-time Rector of the Oratory and School at Mirabello. Again his personality expanded in this wider apostolate: his senior St. Vincent de Paule lads visiting needy families with parcels; his juniors strengthening their faith in the St. Aloysius Sodality. If spiritual results are tangible then one could point to the diocesan seminary at Mirabello, where the numbers jumped from 28 to 122 during his time there, most of them his past pupils. Vocations were almost uppermost in Don Rua s mind. Delayed vocations, men of mature age, were his forte in this field. I was 42 and a practicing chemist, writes Father Angelo Lago, when Don Rua encouraged me to study. He joked I could say Mass for forty years before I was ninety. Not that Don Rua s work was one long success story. Far from it! In an era unsettled by the Industrial Revolution and badly hit by war, street fights and gang warfare among the youths of Turin were only too common, and at times they invaded the Salesian premises. More than once some of his restless hostel lads would disappear with his blankets and borrowed clothing, after having upset the house discipline no end. At such times, the priest would need to call on his wellknown self-control and patience. Recalled to his old office at Don Bosco s Oratory in 1868, Don Rua found that the administrative work had become totally out of hand. Snowed-under by mountains of paper and already worn-out from Mirabello, he suddenly collapsed on the job. Don Bosco seemed strangely unconcerned. Don t worry Don Rua; even if you fell from your window onto the footpath you wouldn t die: we need you for many years yet. Even so, a holiday was long overdue, and he was sent off to the country for a few weeks to recuperate. (to be continued) 16 Hajja Salesjana

17 A good priest is a truly human person who expresses his love for God in prayer and in love for people. These gifts are sanctified and focused through the grace of ordination when he becomes a man for others. Cardinal Cormac Murphy O Connor Are you being called priesthood to the And to the Salesian way of life? Do I really want to follow Jesus and show his love to others, especially to the young, as Don Bosco did? Is prayer and my own relationship with God at the centre of my life? Do I want to be honest and real before God and others? Do I enjoy the life and company of other people? Am I approachable? Am I concerned for the young, the poor and vulnerable? If you believe you have a calling to be a Salesian priest then contact the vocations director, Fr. Louis Grech SDB at: Tel / or vocations@salesiansmalta.org for more information Hajja Salesjana 17

18 Something to think about Fasts have a tendency to be orientated towards things like giving up food or T V. But there are many other creative ways we can welcome Jesus healing touch. 18 Hajja Salesjana

19 A different approach to Fasting Here are suggestions you may want to consider:- Fast from anger and hatred. Give your family an extra dose of love each day. Fast from judging others. Before making any judgments recall how Jesus overlooks your faults. Fast from discouragement. Hold on to Jesus promise that He has a perfect plan for your life. Fast from complaining. When you find yourself about to complain, close your eyes and recall some of the little moments of joy Jesus has given you. Fast from resentment or bitterness. Work on forgiving those who may have hurt you. Fast on spending too much money. Try to reduce your spending by 10% and give those savings to the poor. Wishing you all Peace, Love and Happiness during Lent, and the Joy of the Risen Christ at Easter. Hajja Salesjana 19

20 Malta Salesjana FL-Isla: Il-Barranin Ukoll Nhar it-tnejn 21 ta Diçembru 2009, l-arçipriet tal-baωilka ta l-isla, il-kan. Joseph Grech, flimkien mal-komunità tas-salesjani tad-dar San Filippu, organizza Bible Service, fis-7.30 ta filg axija, g ar-residenti barranin ta L-Isla. Dawn l-a ar snin numru mielu ta barranin marru joqog du f dik il-belt storika u bosta minnhom t alltu sew mal-komunità ta din il-belt. Fosthom hemm min sa ansitra jie u sehem fl-attivitajiet tal-parroçça jew tal-kunsill Lokali. Wa da mill-attivitajiet li tinωamm regolarment, hija dik ta laqg a, organizzata mil- Parroçça, matul il-jiem tal-milied. Din is-sena ie deçiω li jsir Bible Service bi t ejjija g al-milied Imqaddes. Fr. Victor Mangion ie mitlub i ejji u jmexxi din il-laqg a li g aliha marru numru sabi minn dawn in-nies u li ntg o bot minn kul add. Wara din iç-çerimonja sar riçeviment g al dawk kollha li attendew, u hekk il- Komunità Salesjana kellha okkaωjoni sabi a biex tiltaqg a ma dawn in-nies u tag mel bieb odda. Il- Brothers of Christ Fr. Paul Formosa SDB, id-delegat tal-provinçjal, g amel Ωjara lil Brothers of Christ waqt li kienu mi bura flimkien g al tlitt ijiem fl-irtir Spiritwali ta l-a ar tas-sena. Dan sar fid- Dar tal-karmelitani, il-lunzjata, limiti tar-rabat. Din iω-ωjara adet xejra ta djalogu, fi spirtu ta familja, u damet sejra g al aktar minn sieg a. Is-su etti li tkellmu fuqhom kienu: l-organizzazzjoni tal-g aqda tag hom, il-formazzjoni talmembri, in-natura tal-missjoni tag hom, it-tip ta impenn li jridu jie du, is-sistema finanzjarja tal-g aqda u fl-a arnett, ir-relazzjoni tag hom mal-familja Salesjana. Fr. Paul stedinhom ukoll sabiex matul is-sena 2010, huma jiffokaw l-attenzjoni tag hom u jistudjaw il-figura ta Dun Mikiel Rua, a a mixtieqa mir-rettur Ma ur tag na. Inkora ihom ukoll ikunu r iel ta viωjoni, nies kreattivi u impenjati. Imbag ad Fr. Paul irringrazzja lil Fr. Francis Ûammit SDB talli qieg ed janima Salesjanament lil dan il-grupp. La Goulette fit-tuneûija Jekk xi add imur iωur il-knisja Kattolika li hemm fil-goulette, speçjalment jekk kien di à mar xi darba qabel, ser jibqa ma sud bil-bidla li jara fiha. Dan g aliex il-koppla g ada kemm iet irrestawrata u kull pittura li hemm filknisja iet jew mnaddfa jew mibdula b afna gost. F din il-knisja, is-salesjani li hemm f TuneΩ, imorru sikwit jag tu daqqa t id lillkappillan li jie u siebha. Hemmhekk, il-«maltin ta TuneΩ» jiltaqg u ta kull sena, nhar l-10 ta Frar, sabiex jiççelebraw il-festa ta San Pawl. F din il-knisja hemm ukoll xbieha tal- «Madonna tal-mellie a». Minn xi snin l hawn, 20 Hajja Salesjana

21 Attività OÓra tas-sb Is-SB (Salesian Brigade) torganizza attività fil-bera kull xahar. Din id-darba, 28 u 29 ta Novembru 2009, kien imiss wasla sal-forti Campbell, f Selmun fil-limiti tal-mellie a, forti li kien inbena fl-1937 mill-gvernatur Bonham Carter. Immexxija mil-leaders Joe Camilleri u Jesmond Cassar, il-grupp mag mul minn xi leaders o ra u minn 21 membru tas-sb, telaq g al g onq it-triq sa ma wasal Fort Campbell. Dan huwa mdawwar minn grupp ta barracks li ma jie]u ]siebhom add u g alhekk xi ftit imkissra. Mal-wasla, malajr tnaddaf l-imkien fejn kienu se joqog du biex wara setg u jibdew l-eωerçizzi fiωiçi. Dawn kienu struzzjonijiet u prattika ta l-abseiling, ta ri ta CPR/AED, prattika tal-qari tal-kumpass u tal-mappa. Wara dan saret dawra mal-forti u mbag ad it-tisjir u l- ikel. G all-quddiesa l-grupp kollu mexa sal-kappella ta Selmun. L-g ada, bil-mixi, il-grupp g adda minn dejn il-palazz ta Selmun u wasal sal-bajja ta M ieba. Waqt din il-mixja, ew uωati il-kumpassi u l-mapep b ala parti mit-ta ri tal-membri tas-sb. Wara nofsinnhar ta din ittieni urnata, marru lura lejn Tas-Sliema. Veru mawra li rnexxiet; g alhekk grazzi lil kull min a sehem jew g in b xi mod. fid-dar li hemm ma enb il-knisja u li darba kienet id-dar tal- Kleru, hemm komunità ta Sorijiet ta Madre Teresa ta Kalkutta, is-sorijiet tal-karità. Dan l-a ar il-komunità ta dawn is-sorijiet iet tag mel Ωjara lil Fathers Salesjani li joqog du f Manouba, qrib afna tal-belt ta TuneΩ. Huma ew imdawra mad-dar u ma l-iskola, imbag ad adu kafe mal-fathers u verament adu gost jaqtg u xi larin mis-si ar li hemm fil- nien tad-dar tag na. Din kienet l-ewwel darba li s-sorijiet ta Mother Theresa Ωaru id-dar tas-salesjani. Hajja Salesjana Little Angels IÛuru lill-isqof Nhar il-ìimg a 18 ta Diçembru 2009, l-an li Ωg ar tag na, ew me uda jωuru lill-isqof Mons. Mario Grech. Dawn l-an li Ωg ar huma t-tfal li jattendu l-kinder Garden tas-sorijiet Salesjani (FMA = Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice) ewwa Victoria, G awdex. Din iω-ωjara g alkemm kienet sorpriωa g all-eççellenza, laqag hom bi m abba kbira u a pjaçir afna bihom. Bl-akbar lewwa huma kantawlu l-g anjiet tal-milied Ninni La Tibkix IΩjed u Jingle Bells. Imbag ad Mons. Isqof mexxa purçissjoni qasira fl-istess Kurja bit-tfal i orru l-bambin Ìesù. It-tfal kienu akkumpanjati minn Sr. Elsa Gretter u Sr. Stella Spiteri, u qabel ma telqu irçevew ming and l- Isqof xi çikkulata li adu ost biha afna. Il-Brothers fis-snin ta Formazzjoni Il-laqg a li ssir kull sena, g all- abta tal-milied, lil Brothers tag na li g adhom fis-snin ta formazzjoni saret proprju meta Bros. Jeremy Vella u Gerald Mangion ew Malta minn Turin g all-btala tag hom. Din il-laqg a tkun Ωmien ta formazzjoni u relax permezz ta sessjonijiet formali u in ta flimkien. Ir-riflessjoni prinçipali, mmexxija min Bros. Gerald u Jeremy, uriet lil Dun Mikiel Rua u d-devozzjoni tieg u lejn l-ewkaristija kif ukoll il-fedeltà li kellu lejn is-sej a tieg u u lejn Dun Bosco. Fr. Charlie Said, ir-reponsabbli mill-istudenti tag na, mexxa l-ewkaristija. Wara dan, nhar il-óadd 27 ta Diçembru, il-brothers marru l-palazz ta l-arçisqof, il-belt, sabiex mas- Seminaristi u membri ta Istituti reli juωi o ra, jag tu x-xewqat tal-festi lill-isqfijiet tag na. Billi din s-sena hija ddedikata lis-saçerdozju, l-arçisqof Mons. Pawlu Cremona kellimhom fuq il-barkiet li jaqla min jisma s-sej a ta Alla u jilqag ha b qalb miftu a. Billi kienet ukoll il-festa tal-familja Mqaddsa, Mons. Cremona rringrazzja lill-familji kollha li jg inu lil uliedhom jisimg u s-sej a t Alla u sa aq kif il-grazzja tal-vokazzjonia timxi mag hom matul il-vja kollu ta ajjithom. 21

22 Diçembru minn Sue Callus Fl-Iskola ta St. Patrick Sliema Ix-xahar ta Diçembru kien ikkaratterizzat minn diversi attivitajiet li l-istudenti ta St. Patrick s kellhom l-opportunità li jattendu g alihom jew jie du sehem dirett fihom. Fis-7 ta Diçembru, l-iskola tag na, flimkien ma l-iskejjel li jiffurmaw parti mill-kulle ta Santa Clara, ipparteçipat fil- Queen s Baton Relay li waslet Malta fi triqtha lejn il-log ob tal-commonwealth li se jsiru ewwa New Delhi, fl-indja matul is-sena Din il- irja simbolika saret max-xatt ta Tas- Sliema u spiççat fil-pjazzetta f G ar id-dud. Matul din il- irja il-baton g addiet minn rappreωentanti ta kull skola kif ukoll mill-atleti li se jipparteçipaw f dawn il-log ob. Il-Queen s Baton se ΩΩur 71 pajjiω qabel ma tispiçça New Delhi, fl-indja. L-attivitajiet matul dan ix-xahar komplew bi Ωjara ewwa s-sezzjoni ta l-airwing tal-forzi Armati ta Malta u Ωjara fil-muωew ta Ìrajjet l-assedju l-kbir ta Malta ewwa l-café Premier, il-belt Valletta. Ìewwa l-hangar tal Forzi Armati l-istudenti raw mill-viçin ajruplani Ωg ar li jintuωaw g as-salvata waqt li uffiçjali ta din is-sezzjoni taw spjegazzjoni dwar l-uωu u l-kapaçitajiet ta dawn l-ajruplani. Raw ukoll ta ri ta tlug u nωul 22 Hajja Salesjana

23 ta helikopters kif ukoll l-uωu ta dawn l-in enji f kaω ta salvata. Ìewwa l-muωew ta l-assedju l-kbir, l-istudenti, bl-g ajnuna tal-gwida awdjo, esploraw dan l-avveniment storiku importanti fil- rajja ta Malta. IΩ-Ωjara ewwa l-belt intemmet mas-salut tal-kanun li ta kuljum ji i sparat f nofsinhar mill- Barrakka ta Fuq. Har a o ra ta nteress kienet Ωjara ewwa ç-çentru tal-falkunerija ewwa s-si iewi. F dan iç-çentru wie ed seta jammira mill-viçin numru ta tajr tal-priωa b al isqra, barba anni u diversi speçi ta ajkli fost o rajn. L-istudenti kellhom ukoll l-opportunità li jωommu fuq idejhom u ud minn dawn it-tjur u jaraw dimostrazzjoni ta kif ilfalkun jaqbad il-priωa. Matul il-festi tal-milied, fl-iskola tag na, Ωgur li ma setg etx tonqos il-pantomima. G al darb o ra, l-istudenti tag na tellg u produzzjoni ta livell g oli. Madwar 30 student bejn back stage crew u atturi - adu sehem fil-pantomima Aladdin u l-lampa tas-sindku. F okkaωjonijet b al dawn, l-istudenti jing ataw l-opportunita li juru l- afna talenti sbie li g andhom. Prosit lil kull min a sehem u g amel unur lill-iskola tag na. L-ewwel term ta l-iskola tag na ie fi tmiemu fit-18 ta Diçembru. Kif kien xieraq bdejna l- urnata b quddiesa ta ringrazzjament li kienet imωewqa bil-pageant tradizzjonali tal-milied kif ukoll il-priedka tat-tifel. Il- urnata iet fi tmiemha bil-party ta l-iskola. Mod sabi ta kif tikkonkludi sena mimlija attivitajiet. Hajja Salesjana 23

24 A Saintly Salesian Brother Blessed Artemides Zatti ( ), a Salesian Lay Brother, was beatified on 14 th April 2002 by H.H.Pope John Paul II. Early Life Artemides Zatti was born in Boretto, in the province of Reggio Emilia, on the 12th October 1880, to Louis Zatti and Albina Vecchi, a farming family. Since he was a small child he was accustomed to work and sacrifice. Already by the time he was nine, he was earning money as a hired hand. In 1897 the Zatti family, forced by poverty, emigrated to Argentina to establish life anew at Bahia Blanca. Here Artemides began to attend the parish run by the Salesians and became a helper to the parish priest, Fr Carlo Cavalli, with whom he often shared work and prayer. He felt a desire to become a Salesian, and was accepted as an aspirant by Bishop Cagliero and, by the time he was twenty, went to the Community at Bernal. Tuberculosis - and a promise He began studying in earnest to make up for lost time. Providence entrusted him with assisting a young priest who was ill with tuberculosis, and who then died in The day when Artemides was to receive his clerical habit, he too contracted the disease. When he got back to the community, Fr Cavalli sent him to the mission hospital in Viedma. Fr Evarisio Garrone, with wide experience in the task, was in charge of the hospital. Artemides, along with him, asked and obtained from Mary Help of Christians the grace of recovery, promising to dedicate his entire life to looking after the sick. Responsibility for the pharmacy He recovered and kept his promise. At first he began to look after the pharmacy attached to the hospital, where he learned how Fr Garrone worked: only those who could need pay. When Fr Garrone died, he took on the entire responsibility. In 1908 he made his perpetual profession. He was completely dedicated to the sick. People sought 24 Hajja Salesjana

25 the construction of the new hospital then, much to his displeasure, it was demolished. Without being discouraged he started out afresh. Like Don Bosco, Providence was his first and certain entry in any of the accounting he had to do. Mary Help of Christians never abandoned him. When Don Bosco was dreaming of his Salesian Brothers, he certainly wanted them to be holy like Artemides. In 1950, he fell on the stairs and was confined to bed. Death After some months signs of cancer showed up. He breathed his last on the 15th March John Paul II declared him Beatified on the 14th April His body is laid to rest in the Salesian chapel at Viedma. him out and admired him. For the personnel at the hospital he was not only an excellent director, but an excellent Christian above all. A day in the life of... This is how his day was spent: At 4.30 he was already up. Meditation and Mass. Visit to all the sick. Then on his bike he would head out to visit the sick around the city. After lunch he would play an enthusiastic game of bocce with those who were recovering. From 2 pm till 6 pm he would visit those in the hospital again as well as those outside. Then until 8 pm he would work in the pharmacy. Then back to the hospital again. Until 11 pm he would study medicine, and finally, some spiritual reading. Then he would rest but was always available for anyone who called for help. An exemplary Salesian Brother He gained his diploma as a nurse. In 1913 he led Hajja Salesjana 25

26 Ir-Ra el ust ta Marija San ÌuΩepp fil-kitba Apokrifa minn Fr Charles Buttigieg Il-figura dominanti ta San ÌuΩepp flarti sagra, b al fl-istatwi u fil-pittura, b al per eωempju imma ni taω-ωwie ta ÌuΩeppi ma Marija, ix-xeni tattwelid ta Ìesù fl-g ar ta Betlehem, il- ajja tal-familja Mqaddsa f NaΩaret u tal-mewt ta San ÌuΩepp imdawwar b Ìesù u Marija, hija eneralment dik ta ra el matur fiω-ωmien u b bastun f idu mfawwar bil-ward tal- ilju. Fonti góall-istóarriì mo bijin u mpo ija fil- enb g ax kellhom kontenut Ovvjament l-ewwel fonti awtentiçi rigward il-figura dubjuω; però Ωgur li allew il-marka tag hom fiddevozzjoni popolari. Kienu jservu fuq kollox b ala ta San ÌuΩepp, jibqg u dejjem il-van eli. Fihom huwa deskritt b ala r-ra el ust u safi ta Marija u romanzi jew stejjer Kristjani u g alhekk mhux dejjem missier putattiv ta Ìesù. Fil-van eli ma niltaqg ux ta min jorbot fuqhom. ma San ÌuΩepp b ala ra el xi, anzi huwa ppreωentat b ala ra el b seng a ta mastrudaxxa, kap tal-familja Il-ProtovanÌelu ta Ìakbu u lest jag mel vja i twal. Aktarx li forsi kellu Fost din il-kitba Apokrifa insibu l- Protovan elu ta madwar 25 sena waqt li Marija kellha dawk il-15-il Ìakbu, jew a jar kif kien mag ruf qabel, It-Twelid sena, u g alhekk forsi kien ikbar minn Marija dawk ta Marija skond Ìakbu jew It-Twelid ta Marija. Dan l-10 snin jew ftit iktar. Hekk ukoll i ares lejh, b ala aktarx inkiteb madwar is-snin 150/200 w.k. bil-g an ra el Ωag Ωug, Massimu ta Turín fil-5 seklu w.k., kif li jkabbar il-glorja ta Marija u jiddefendi l-ver inità ukoll l-ikonografija fil-knejjes orjentali u hekk ukoll tag ha. Dan ix-xog ol hu attribwit lil San Ìakbu appostlu li kien ji i minn Ìesù, aktarx xi ku in u mhux iddeskrivih il-papa Pawlu VI fil-festa ta San ÌuΩepp fl uh b al ma jipprova jispjega b mod Ωbaljat dan ilktieb, g aliex jg id li San ÌuΩepp kien miωωewwe Il-figura ta San ÌuΩepp b ala ra el xi u mda al fiω-ωmien g alhekk insibuha fl-apokrifi (il-kelma qabel u safà armel bit-tfal u g alhekk jipprova jfisser griega apokrypha tfisser mo bija ), kitbiet li ma b dan il-mod Ωbaljat il-fraωi ta a wa ta Ìesù filvan eli, u biex isalva wkoll il-ver inità ta Marija. ewx meqjusin b ala ispirati min abba d-dettalji sekondarji li fihom u g alhekk ma ewx inkluωi fillista tal-kotba ispirati tal-bibbja, ji ifieri fil-kanoni. tieg u, billi bl-ebrajk, il-kelma a wa g andha tifsira A na ng idu li dawn l- a wa ta Ìesù kienu ku ini Fihom anke xi esa erazzjonijiet Ωejda u g alhekk ew iktar wieg sa minn kif nifhmuha a na, u tfisser en- 26 Hajja Salesjana

27 eralment dawk li ji u minnek mid-demm, b al ma huma l-ku ini jew qraba o ra. Ikompli jg id ukoll, dan il-ktieb, li meta kienet ser issir l-g aωla ta l-g arus tax-xbejba Marija, San ÌuΩepp kien quddiem il-qassis il-kbir bl-isem ta Ûakkarija u ara li amiema bdiet iddur fuq San ÌuΩepp, li kien imda al sew fiω-ωmien, biex tindika li kien huwa r-ra el mag Ωul g al Marija. Apokrifi OÓra Insibu kitbiet Apokrifi o ra, fosthom il- Van elu tal- Psewdo-Mattew (7 8 seklu w.k.) li fih xi le endi dwar meta San ÌuΩepp kien fl-e ittu bil-familja tieg u. Hemm, imbag ad, apokrifi o ra b al: il- Van elu Sirjak u G arbi ta l-infanzja (tas-6 7 seklu w.k.), il-van elu Armen ta l-infanzja, il- Liber de Infantia Salvatoris. Insibu wkoll l-istorja ta l-infanzja Skond Tumas li jirrakkonta afna mirakli tat-tfajjel Ìesù. Dan jirrakkonta wkoll kif San ÌuΩepp b ala mastrudaxxa, kien ja dem u jag mel l-imrie et ta l-injam u g odod o ra g all-g elieqi. Xog ol ie or Apokrifu huwa dak ta l- Istorja ta ÌuΩepp il-mastrudaxxa li jirrakkonta l-a ar snin ta San ÌuΩepp. Dan huwa kitba Griega tat-2 seklu w.k, u jg id li San ÌuΩepp kellu aktar minn mitt sena meta miet u li miet madwar is-sena 18 jew 19 A.D., qabel ma Ìesù beda l- ajja pubblika tieg u madwar is-sena 30 A.D. Dan il-ktieb jag ti deskrizzjoni dettaljata talmewt ta ÌuΩepp fejn ifisser il-paçi u l-konsolazzjoni li kellu fil-punt tal-mewt tieg u, mdawwar b Ìesù u Marija. Nafu tajjeb li l-ìudeo-kristjani fil-palestina kienu jikkommemoraw kull sena il-mewt ta San ÌuΩepp fuq il-qabar tieg u ewwa NaΩaret, sakemm imbag ad ew imkeççija minn hemm. Dan ix-xog ol kellu influenza kbira fil-knisja Kopta ta Lixandra ewwa l-e ittu, fejn teωisti festa li tfakkar meta miet San ÌuΩepp u li ti i ççelebrata fis-26 ta Abib, li ji i t-2 ta Awwissu tal-kalendarju tag na. Stejjer FantastiÇi u LeÌÌendi Ovvjament dawn il-kitbiet Apokrifa fihom afna tag rif dwar San ÌuΩepp li ma nsibuhx fil-van eli; però billi ma humiex meqjusin ispirati minn Hajja Salesjana Ommna l-knisja Mqaddsa, li hija dejjem immexxija mid-dawl ta l-ispirtu s-santu, wie ed dejjem irid jg arbel sew dak li jaqra fihom. Infatti, San Irinew kien jikkonsidra dawn il-kitbiet kollha li semmejna b ala mimlija gideb; u Tertulljanu kien jarahom b ala foloz. L-istejjer tag hom huma dejjem fantastiçi u esa erati wkoll. Ûgur li dawn il-kitbiet mhux ta minn joqog od fuqhom imma jservu biss biex jissodisfaw il-kurωità. Infatti San Ìirolmu u diversi Missirijiet o ra tal-knisja aωdu dawn il-kitbiet u l-istejjer marbuta ma San ÌuΩepp li wie ed isib fihom. Dawn l-apokrifi Ωgur mela huma kkontaminati minn le endi u romanzi li jtellfu l-kredibilità tag hom. Min-na a l-o ra, il-van eli, dejjem ta t l-influss ta l-ispirazzjoni, jippreωentawlna figura ta ÌuΩeppi dejjem iktar korretta, konkreta, usta, sempliçi u, fuq kollox, Ωag Ωug a: bniedem li ja dem, li jmidd g onqu g al kull seng a, sa ansitra li ja dem l-injam iebes tal-libanu b ala mastrudaxxa, u li lest jag mel vja i twal sabiex isalva l-familja tieg u. Din kienet il-missjoni fdata lilu minn Alla li jie u sieb lil Ìesù u lil Marija. 27

28 The Empty Egg Eight-year-old Steven was mentally retarded and had many health problems. His health appeared to be growing worse every day. His teacher was concerned his classmates might stop identifying with him and loving him as they became more aware of his differences. In April, the teacher asked the class to put together one plastic Easter egg filled with a small object representing new life in the Spring. Thinking Steven might not understand (and not wanting to embarrass him), the teacher had each child place their egg on her desk so that she could open each one individually. She needn t have worried. The first egg contained a tiny wild flower, which truly was an indication of new life. Next, came a rock and the teacher assumed the rock was Steven s. Her reasoning was that rocks don t symbolize new life and growth. But a little boy shouted from the back of the room that the rock had moss on it, thereby showing new life. The teacher agreed. A butterfly flew out of the next egg and the little girl that brought it bragged that the butterfly was hers, and how it had came from a cocoon, symbolizing new life. The teacher agreed again. The fourth egg was empty. The teacher knew this had to be Steven s egg, and she nervously set it aside, hoping he wouldn t notice. As she began to pick up a different egg, Steven excitedly announced that the empty egg was his! Hesitating, the teacher replied, But it s empty! That s right, said Steven. Just like Jesus tomb was, and that means new life for everyone! The teacher was amazed at Steven s insight and his love for Jesus. Later on, at the end of the school year, Steven s condition worsened and he died. At his funeral, the children from his class each placed an empty Easter egg among the flowers. Many of the adults at Steven s funeral were puzzled by the appearance of all the eggs, and the message Steven shared with his classmates was shared again! An empty tomb some two thousand years earlier gave Steven the hope of a new life! Although the flowers were beautiful, it was the empty eggs that shared the message of hope in Eternal Life through Jesus Christ! What a wonderful message to share this Easter with those you love. Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He is risen! (Luke 24:5) 28 Hajja Salesjana

29 Diaconate Ordination in Melbourne of Br Martin Tanti SDB Br Martin Tanti, a Maltese Salesian from Melbourne, has finally received the diaconate and will be ordained in Fr John Briffa writes: It was a celebration of great joy! Many friends and members of Salesian family gathered at St. Margaret Mary Church in North Brunswick on 4 December to join the Tanti family for the diaconate ordination of their son, Martin. Br Martin Tanti was ordained a deacon by Bishop Tim Costelloe. About thirty Salesian priests including the provincial, Fr. Frank Moloney SDB, concelebrated the ordination Mass. There were a number of Salesian Sisters and many co-operators present at this joyous occasion. In his homily, Bishop Tim Costelloe encouraged Martin to follow the examples of Mary the Mother of God and St. John the Baptist who listened and followed the will of God in their lives. Martin, in turn, after the communion, thanked all people who came along to support him not just on that special day but also in the last many years. He thanked particularly the Bishop, Fr. Frank Moloney, and Fr. John Murphy, the rector of Brunswick community. He also thanked Fr. John Prest, the rector of his community, and all the members at Lysterfield. Last of all, his gratitude went to his proud mother and father, and the members of his family who have supported him all along. Martin asked everyone to continue to support him in prayer. Refreshments were provided in the parish hall after the Mass to continue the celebration. It was truly a celebration of great joy and everyone is looking forward to Martin s priestly ordination sometime in Hajja Salesjana 29

30 minn Renè Sacco Dun Bosco fis-santi u kartolini Sejrin inkomplu din is-sensiela billi naraw ftit santi o ra mill-kollezjoni tieg i li jien inqies b ala ta interess mill-att ta rarità, preωentazzjoni artistika u dokumentazzjoni. Din is-santa li g andha daqs ta 11.0 x 7.0 çm, iet stampata madwar il-bidu tas-snin 1900 permezz tal-proçess msejja kromolitografija ji ifieri litografija bil-kulur. Hawn qed naraw lil Dun Bosco mdawwar bit-tfal fuq speçi ta tron fi sfond b arkittetura gotika. Billi mhux soltu li Dun Bosco ji i muri b dan il-mod, diffiçli tg id x kellu f mo u l-artist li pin a din l-istampa. Fuq wara tas-santa hemm bijografija qasira ta Dun Bosco kif ukoll lista Ωg ira ta xi affarijiet li Dun Bosco kien jis aq fuqhom kontinwament. Fosthom insibu biex iω-ωg aωag iωommu l-bog od mill-qari ta kotba u gazzetti Ωiena daqs li kieku qed ja arbu mill-pesta. Jaraw li ma jag tux çans lix-xitan jirbahom billi jωommu ru hom okkupati kontinwament. Jis aq ukoll biex meta wie ed ji i biex jorqod g andu, qabel, ja seb f liema qag da spiritwali ser ikun jekk il-mewt ti i matul dak illejl. Jirrikmanda li Ìesù Kristu ikun il-mudell tal- ajja tag hom u li s-sa a spiritwali ti i mit-tqarbin ta spiss. Jinkora ixxi biex wie ed jirrrikorri g and Ommna Marija g al kull xorta ta g ajnuna u kura li jkollu bωonn. Fuq wara hemm dikjarat li s-santa hi proprjeta ta l-oratorju Salesjan (probabbli referenza g all- copyright ), iωda ma hemm l-ebda indikazzjoni ta liema oratorju jew ta fejn. Nota: Qed nag mlu appell biex min ikun irid jibg at xi kumment jew iωid xi a a ma dak li qieg ed jidher f din is-sensiela, ma joqg odx lura iωda jikkuntattja lil Fr.Joe Cini (joecini@ onvol.net) jew lil Rene Sacco (rene.sacco@gmail.com). Nirringrazzjawkom bil-quddiem. 30 Hajja Salesjana

31 Fuq il-faççata ta din is-santa li g andha daqs ta 11.1 x 6.1çm, naraw imma ni ta Dun Bosco mωejna b disinn fuq stil li g andu minn dak mag ruf b ala Art Nouveau u li kien ferm in voga fissnin ta bejn l-1896 u l Dan kien tip ta dekorazzjoni u arti bbaωat fuq disinji stilizzati ispirati min-natura, l-aktar il-pjanti u l-fjuri. Jidher li kien hemm xi sett minn dawn is-santi b imma ni u dekorazzjoni differenti, g ax barra li jien g andi o ra filkollezzjoni, naf li jeωistu o rajn. Ta interess hu l-fatt, li kif jidher fuq wara tas-santa, din tqassmet b alha rikordju ta kors ta eωerçizzji spiritwal li saru fil- Collegio Don Bosco f Bahia Blanca ewwa l-ar entina, bejn it 23 u s- 27 ta Awwissu ta l Hemm indikat min kienu l-predikaturi u anke lista ta rakkomandazzjonijiet biex wie ed jg ix ajja nisranija tajba. Kollox bil-lingwa Spanjola. Din is-santa iet stampata fl-italja mis- Societa Editrice Internazionale ta Turin. Is-santa li qeg din naraw hawn tixbah ftit lil ta qabilha f dak li hu stil. Din aktarx li iet stampata madwar l-1930, mid-ditta DOVEN ta Turin u hija wkoll litografija bil-kulur. B ala ikonografija (ji ifieri x inhu s-suggett ta l-imma ni) naraw lil Dun Bosco jitlob quddiem statwa ta Marija G ajnuna ta l-insara, li nafu sew x kienet tfisser g alih u x devozzjoni kellu lejha. Apparti mid-disinn sabi u ntrikat li bih imωejna l-imma ni, insibu wkoll relikwa ex indumentis tal-qaddis. Il-kliem ex indumentis ifissru dik it-tip ta relikwa (normalment drapp) li tkun iet minsusa ma xi wejje tal-qaddis. Fuq wara tas-santa li l-qies tag ha hu 10.1 x 6.0 cm, insibu talba lil Dun Bosco bl-ispanjol. Hemm ukoll is-si ill tar-relikwa blarma tas-salesjani mdawra bil-kliem POSTULATOR CAUS. SERV. DEI P. SOC. SALESIANAE. Fl-a ar hemm ukoll appell li jg id li ti i aççettata kull donazzjoni g all-kawωa tal-kanonizzazzjoni tal-beatu Dun Bosco. Appell: Nixtieq nie u din l-opportunità biex nistieden lil min g andu xi santi ta Dun Bosco li jista jiddisponi minnhom biex jg addihomli alli titkompla tikber il-kollezzjoni. Il-kollezzjoni tinkludi ukoll lil S. Fran isk ta Sales, S. Domenico Savio, Maria AwΩiljatriçi, u l-erwie tajba kollha Salesjani. Ni bor ukoll domni, bolli, midalji u materjal ie or b konnessjoni ma Dun Bosco jew is-salesjani. Grazzi bil-quddiem. Hajja Salesjana 31

32 G aqda mar-rieda ta Alla fil-óajja ta Santa Fawstina Kowalska Xterdet Óafna f Malta u GÓawdex id-devozzjoni lejn il-óniena Divina. Il-Festa, nhar il-óadd fuq l-góid, tiìi ççelebrata f aktar minn 100 Parroçça u Kappella. Issa góandna wkoll Santwarju tal-óniena Divina fil-lokalità ta San Pawl tat-tarìa. Hawn, mela, xi tagórif spiritwali fuq il-qaddisa li ntgóaûlet minn Ìesù sabiex tkun l-appostlu ta din id-devozzjoni. Fr. Sandro Camilleri sdb Ilkoll kemm a na nixtiequ li nikbru fil- ajja spiritwali u nterjuri tag na, u l-qofol talmaturità tag na hu li persuna twettaq bil-qalb u bis-s i ir-rieda t Alla f ajjitha. Attitudni b al din, li g andha tfawwar mill-im abba lejn Alla, hi wkoll prova konkreta tal-fiduçja ta dak li jkun f Alla. Tant hu hekk li Ìesù jg id lil Fawstina, Ru li t obbni afna, g andha tg ix bir-rieda tieg i (Djarju nru. 1023). Fuq l-istess sieb, Fawstina ttenni li l-vera m abba lejn Alla tikkonsisti filli wie ed iwettaq ir-rieda Tieg u f ajtu (279). Tant hu hekk li t-twettieq perfett ta din ir-rieda t Alla jg in lill-persuna timmatura fil-qdusija Il-qdusija u l-perfezzjoni tieg i tikkonsisti billi jkun hemm g aqda s i a bejn ir-rieda tieg i u dik t Alla (1107). Issostni Swor Fawstina li kienet temmen b qalbha kollha li meta wie ed ibaxxi rasu g ar-rieda t Alla f kull çirkostanza ta ajtu jag ti aktar glorja l Alla milli kieku jag mel afna mortifikazzjonijiet u talb twil. Ìesù nnifsu jikkonferma dan il- sieb ta Fawstina meta jg idilha, Binti, tag tini aktar glorja meta b paçenzja tissottometti ru ek g ar-rieda tieg i. B dan il-mod, taqla aktar merti milli kieku qlajt permezz ta xi sawma jew mortifikazzjoni. Kun af binti, li meta tissottometti r-rieda tieg ek g al tieg i, int ti bed lejn ru ek l-ikbar pjaçir tieg i. Dan is-sagrifiççju jog obni u hu kollu 32 Hajja Salesjana

33 lewwa. Nie u afna gost bih u fih afna qawwa Djarju nru 904). Barra minn hekk, l-img allem qal lil din ir-ru mag Ωula minnu li meta wie ed jag mel sagrifiççju ta dan it-tip, ji bed fuqu ba ar ta grazzji (954 u 955). Malli Fawstina g arfet l-importanza ta l-im abba lejn ir-rieda t Alla fuq kollox, u malli nteb et li din ir-rieda divina hi espressjoni ta l-im abba t Alla lejn il-bniedem, hi bdiet issejja lir-rieda t Alla s-ser an tag ha (1004), il- ajja ta ru ha (6), l-hena ta qalbha (650), l-ikel tag ha (1003), l-iskop ta l-eωistenza tag ha (195), il-fer tag ha (775) u l-o ett ta m abbitha (678). Swor Fawstina kienet tinteba Alla x kien irid minnha mhux biss permess tal-kmandamenti tieg U imma wkoll permezz ta l-obbligi li s-sej a tag ha kienet titlob minnha, permezz tat-twettieq tar-regoli reli juωi tag ha (375) u permezz ta dak li s-superjuri u d-diretturi spiritwali tag ha kienu jg idulha. Hi kienet temmen li xejn ma ji ri ming ajr il-permess t Alla u li xejn ma jmur kontra r-rieda tieg U. G aldaqstant, b din il-mentalità Fawstina kienet t ares b g ajnejn mimlija fidi anke lejn it-tbatijiet u s-sitwazzjonijiet diffiçli li arrbet u li ltaqg et mag hom tul ajjitha. Hi kienet temmen li Alla kien jippermetti diffikultajiet biex iωidilha l-merti u jsa a ha fil-virtujiet tag ha. B dan il-mod, kienet t obb tg id, ilfedeltà tag na tkun tista tidher sew (1409). Sabiex tifhem Alla x ried minnha, din is-soru kienet titlob b e a kbira sabiex malli tag raf x inhu dak li Alla jrid minnha, hi kienet twettqu sa l-inqas tikka. Kienet waslet biex tg id li ma riditx tmut minuta qabel jew tg ix minuta aktar, jew li tbati inqas jew iktar minn dak li ried Alla g aliha (1729). Riedet biss twettaq ir-rieda t Alla f ajjitha f kollox u kienet iddefinixxiet ajjitha Hajja Salesjana b ala sforz kontinwu li tag mel dan (1740). Fl- 1935, wara rtir ta tmint ijiem ewwa Vilnius, fuq pa na vojta, kitbet dawn il-kelmiet- Millum il quddiem ir-rieda tieg i ma teωistix iktar ( 374). Permezz ta salib qatg et ir-rieda tag ha u g amlet riωoluzzjoni li Ωammitha matul ajjitha kollha. Mil-lum il quddiem jien se nag mel ir-rieda t Alla kullimkien, dejjem u f kollox (374). Mal-medda taω-ωmien, il- e a fit-twettieq tar-rieda ta Alla tista tikber u timmatura. Tant hu hekk li fid-djarju tag ha Swor Fawstina titkellem fuq tliet livelli ta kif wie ed iwettaq u jimmatura fit-twettieq ta din ir-rieda t Alla L-ewwel livell jikkonsisti filli r-ru twettaq dak kollu li l-istat tag ha jitlob minnha. Fittieni livell ir-ru taççetta u twettaq fedelment l-ispirazzjonijiet interni. Fit-tielet grad, filwaqt li r-ru tintelaq kompletament g ar-rieda ta Alla f ajjitha, hi t allih jinqeda biha u jag mel biha dak li jrid Hu. Tkun strument doçli f idejh (444). Pero` dan kollu li g idna s issa, kif twettaq fil- ajja ta din il-qaddisa? Skond il-kitbiet fid- Djarju tag ha u skond dak li qalu s-superjuri tag ha, Fawstina kienet soru kwieta u doçli afna li wettqet fedelment dak li talbuha tag mel. U tassew kellu jkollha spirtu qawwi ta fidi biex tag raf ir-rieda t Alla f çerti ubbidjenzi li ng atat b al meta, fuq ordnijiet tas-superjuri tag ha, iet mitluba ta dem wa edha fil- nien avolja hi qatt ma kienet adet sieb ta nien qabel. Barra minn hekk, spiss Fawstina iet mitluba tmur minn kunvent g al ie or. G alkemm g al afna nies, dan kien jo loq çertu ammont ta diffikultà, Swor Fawstina, li wkoll kienet t ossha d-diffikulta`, qatt ma lmentat. Din is-sottomissjoni g ar-rieda t Alla kienet tidher ukoll f affarijiet insinifikanti b al, 33

34 ng idu a na, li twettaq il-biçça xog ol li iet mitluba tag mel, allavolja riedet titlob biex tit alla tmur timtedd ftit qabel g ax kienet t ossha ma tifla x. Attenta g all-ispirazzjonijiet ta l-ispirtu s-santu u g all-intwizzjonijiet li kien ikollha, darba minnhom kienet marret i ib barmil ilma s un sabiex tassisti wa da minn s abha li kienet marida, allavolja hi kienet g ajjiena jew b al meta darb o ra g alkemm imfarrka bl-u ig li kellha, kienet marret g and soru li kellha bωonn afna ta g ajnuna (756). Dawn il- afna awhar Ωg ar ta fedelta`, bnew ilqdusija ta Fawstina u g amlu l-weg da tag ha li, naççetta, b sottomissjoni kompleta g ar-rieda tieg U, kull ma Alla jibg atli (1394). B all-mulej fl-ort tal-ìetsemani, xi drabi t-twettiq tar-rieda ta Alla kien iebes afna g al Swor Fawstina. Kellha taççetta Ωminijiet ta nixfa u dalma spiritwali u li tinsa l-pjanijiet tag ha. Sa ansitra xi drabi kien ikun hemm konflitt bejn dak li hi kienet t oss li Alla qed jitlob minnha u dak li s-superjuri u l-konfessur tag ha kienu jitolbu minnha. Aççettat ukoll li tilqa esperjenzi iebsa u qarsa li ew minnuqqas ta tjubija lejha u minn kummenti li jferu l-qalb. Lejn tmiem ajjitha, Fawstina kienet aççettat b sabar u b sottomissjoni totali g ar-rieda ta Alla, it-tbatijiet orox tag ha. Hi dejjem talbet sabiex f kollox titwettaq irrieda tal-mulej f ajjitha (1633) g ax kienet taf lid-diffikultajiet, anke jekk iebsin afna, jippurifikaw ir-ru u jag mluha b al Ìesù (166). B dan il-mod hi kienet tg ammar f paçi interjuri kbira g ax kienet taf li f kollox qed tag mel ir-rieda ta Sidha (1328) u kienet tara din irrieda b ala l-espressjoni ta l-im[abba t Alla lejha. Kienet titlob Mexxini Mulej f liema mog dija trid, jien po ejt il-fiduçja kollha tieg i fir-rieda tieg ek li hi g alija im abba u niena nnifisha (1264). B dispoωizzjoni b al din, kollox isir grazzja u g al kollox, anke g addiffikultajiet, wie ed irodd ajr l Alla g ax f kollox jara don ta l-im abba tieg U. Nag laq dan l-artiklu, billi niftakru li ma nistg ux verament nafdaw f Alla jekk ma nag mlux ir-rieda tieg U f ajjitna. Nitolbu biex kliem Swor Fawstina f din it-talba, ikun il-kliem tag na wkoll sabiex b ajjitna nag tu dejjem glorja l Alla, Alla etern ares lejna bi tjubija sabiex f mumenti iebsa ma niddisprawx u ma nintelqux, imma b kunfidenza kbira nbaxxu rasna g arrieda qaddisa tieg ek, li hi M abba u Óniena nnifisha (950). 34 Hajja Salesjana

35 G in il- idma Salesjana Dawk li huma l-iωjed fil-periklu l-aktar ji tie u g ajnuna. Dawk li m g andhomx le en je tie u xi add jiddefendihom. San Ìwann Bosco kien jafu dan. Hu adem f ajtu kollha g aω-ωg aωag, g all-foqra u g al dawk li huma l-aktar fil-bωonn. Int tistà tg inna. Meta qed tag mel hekk, int tkun qed tie u sehem fil- idma ta Don Bosco. Alla biss ikun jaf il- id li tkun qed tag mel. A na s-salesjani fil-quddies u t-talb tag na, niftakru f dawk kollha li jg inuna b xi mod jew ie or. Ma tit ajjarx tg inna int ukoll? Il-Mulej li qal: Dak li tag mlu ma l-içken fost utkom tkunu qed tag mluh mieg i, Ωgur ibierek g al kull g ajnuna li tista tag ti. Iva, nixtieq ng in lis-salesjani. Se nibg at q5 q10 q25 q50 kull xahar kull tliet xhur kull sena b ala g ajnuna g all-missjoni tag kom. Naf li din ma tqieg ed l-ebda obbligazzjoni fuqi u li nistà nwaqqaf il-kontribuzzjoni tieg i meta rrid. Isem Indirizz BorΩa ta Studju X inhi BorÛa ta Studju? Hija somma ta flus li tg inna biex in allsu parti mill-formazzjoni ta Ωag Ωug li qed i ejji ru u biex isir Salesjan. Kemm trid tagóti biex twaqqaf BorÛa ta Studju? Kapital ta b600 JeÓtieÌ li bilfors tagóti s-somma f daqqa? Le. Wie ed jista jag tiha biçça biçça, tant fix-xhar jew tant fis-sena. JeÓtieÌ li bilfors is-somma tkun mogótija minn wieóed biss? Le. Jistg u jiftehmu flimkien iktar minn persuna wa da u kul add jag ti sehmu. IΩda min jo ro wa du s-somma kollha, ikun fundatur ta dik il-borωa. Jista wieóed ióalli l-borûa bóala legat wara mewtu? Jista. U min jag mel hekk, jista jikteb fit-testment: In alli b ala legat lis-salesjani ta Don Bosco, is-somma ta g all-formazzjoni ta Ωag Ωug Malti fl-istess Soçjetà. Çempel lil Fr Eric Cachia SDB fuq

36 Apparitions of Our Lady Our Lady of the Pillar In obedience to the command of Jesus to preach the Gospel till the ends of the earth, the Apostle St. James the Great traveled through the Roman Empire as far as the village of Zaragoza, in northern Spain. However, he became discouraged because people paid no attention to his preaching. On January 2/40 AD, while he was at prayer, the Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus in her arms appeared to him standing on a six-foot tall pillar of Jasper carried by angels. Mary gave him a wooden statue of herself and instructed him to build a church in her honour. She said: This place is to be my house, and this image and column shall be the title and altar of the temple that you shall build. Accordingly, St. James built a small chapel in that place to preserve the original jasper column and the wooden state of Mary. It was the first church in history ever dedicated to the honour of the Virgin Mary, which is now the majestic NEWSPAPER POST ST. PATRICK S SCHOOL, ST. JOHN BOSCO STREET, SLIEMA SLM 1925